News

The role that the award-winning Richard III Visitor Centre in Leicester has played in the city’s regeneration and economic growth was celebrated at an open evening on Wednesday 15 September, hosted by Morgan Sindall.

Since it opened its doors in 2014, the exhibition – entitled ‘Richard III: Dynasty, Death and Discovery’ – has told the history of the King’s life, his brutal death at Bosworth Field in 1485, and the fascinating rediscovery of his grave, to more than 160,000 visitors. It is credited with playing a major role in re-invigorating Leicestershire’s tourism industry, which has grown year-on-year since the centre opened and is now worth around £1.7 billion to the county.

The event was also a celebration of the building itself, which was successfully delivered less than 18 months after the King’s remains were discovered. Designed by Maber architects and built by Morgan Sindall, the £4.5 million building has won a number of regional and national awards, including being voted ‘Project of the Year’ by both Construction News and the Royal Institute of British Architects’ East Midlands branch.

More than 100 guests, including professionals from the construction industry, members of Leicester City Council and representatives from the East Midlands Property Alliance (empa) were given the chance to explore the exhibition.

The evening also saw speeches from Morgan Sindall’s East Midlands operations manager, Richard Frape, Leicester City Council (LCC) head of development projects, Louise Seymour and visitor centre director Iain Gordon; all three have played significant roles in the success of the project.

“The Council are delighted with the success of the Visitor Centre and this, alongside the reinternment of the remains of King Richard III in the nearby Leicester Cathedral, has been a major contribution to the City’s raised profile and increased tourism figures”, said Louise.

Morgan Sindall area director Richard Fielding added: “The King Richard III Visitor Centre is the jewel in our crown in terms of East Midlands projects. That we delivered a building that has won so many industry awards, in such a short time frame, is testament to the expertise we have at Morgan Sindall.

“We’re incredibly proud with the end result and are sure that the centre will continue to have an important part to play in the city’s continued growth. We look forward to working with LCC on future projects.”

For more information about this news release please contact Jonathan Daly or Steve Sanders at Influential on 0161 935 8474 or email daly@thisisinfluential.com